by Eva Gordon
“By the way, I made an appointment to check out a vehicle.”
“How soon?”
“In an hour.”
They quickly ate and then packed. He would have to be especially vigilant of werewolf scents.
Gaby kept an eye out for any witnesses. Kane dumped their car down a ravine. He covered it with branches and mud. No one would find it in the isolated forest. Earlier, he paid cash for a small RV camper. Compelling the salesman to forget details helped and all without cheating him out of the price. Kane thought they could blend in better as normal vacationers, and not worry about hotel surveillance cameras. They could live on the road until he found a place where they could hide indefinitely.
They drove past the small town of Trinidad, near Eureka, California, and found an RV campground between the ocean and a redwood forest.
Kane parked their RV and smiled. “Home, for now.”
They stepped out and inhaled the fresh combination of forest greenery and distant ocean air. It was crisp, but not like the cold of the Wisconsin woods. An owl hooted.
How could they hide forever from a pack of werewolves? Gaby shivered. “What if we let them find us and you convince them I promise not to reveal their kind?”
He took her hands and rubbed heat into them. “I don’t want to risk it.”
She hated to suggest it but it had to be said. “How about you go alone, then you can negotiate staying if they promise to let me be?”
“Leave my wife? No. Never. We share a bond.”
Her chest warmed, at his devoted commitment. “We can reunite once you convince them we’ll never part.”
“That will give them even more reason to kill you.”
“You are certain your kind is that cruel?”
“I’m certain the king is and perhaps, my commander, Rylee.”
She snapped a finger. “Africa.”
“What?”
“We can go to the Serengeti in East Africa. I can charm lions and elephants to stand guard against our enemies.”
He rubbed his forehead. “I’m not sure that would deter werewolves.”
“I doubt even your kind can get past a maddened group of elephants.”
“Spoken like someone who has commanded elephants.”
“A year ago, I was sent to Uganda. We took out a target, making it look like elephants trampled him.” She wrinkled her nose. “Although, I’d hate to be responsible for injured animals or worse, their deaths.”
“Definitely something to think about.”
“In the meantime, do you smell any werewolves around here?”
“No.”
“Then we can breathe at least for tonight.”
“I will shift and stretch my legs a bit.”
“Just make sure others don’t see a giant wolf roaming around.”
“Trust me, I can be quite stealthy.”
“Let me dig out some dinner for us.”
“Tonight, I plan to hunt.”
“Here?”
“Nearby.” He dug into his pocket. “I bought a whistle at the last truck stop. If you suspect trouble, blow the whistle and call 911.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not like we are the only campers.”
He took off his clothes, folded them and handed them to her. “Stay inside.”
“Okay, but don’t be long. There is a leash law.”
He laughed. “Got it.” He shifted.
Gaby went inside and locked the door. Not tired yet, she decided to check the news on her laptop. Her satellite picked up the nearest wi-fi immediately. The usual stories about the state of wars and celebrities. She cupped an elbow with one hand while tapping her lips with the other. Whatever happened to the whistleblower she’d warned. Had he gotten away? Nothing more showed on the news about the explosion of Project Sabertooth’s lab. Giles was dead, but Tomlin, Avery and others in the secret groups knew how to hide their mistakes. Those that knew too much had a habit of disappearing without a trace. She had a gut feeling the secret society of werewolves was no different.
Kane finished the fresh venison and then licked his paws. It felt good to be a wolf. He buried what was left of the buck and trotted back to the RV. The full moon broke through the clouds. A deep desire to howl almost overtook him. However, it’d be stupid to advertize a wolf’s presence. Campers and rangers talking about hearing a wolf in an area not known to have wolves would be a big red flag for anyone hunting them. The night remained silent. He must have frightened off the local wildlife.
Quietly, he approached the RV and cocked his head. Gaby slept, softly breathing. He didn’t want to disturb her. It would be nice to stay here for a few more days. He curled up behind the RV, his ears and nose on high alert.
Kane lifted his head and listened. A distant helicopter. Military. The Coast Guard? Unlikely if they were drawing closer. Danger.
He shifted and knocked on the locked door. “Gaby, get up.”
“What, huh? It’s three a.m.” She let him in.
“Helicopter.” He dashed in and dressed.
“I don’t hear anything.”
“You will in a few minutes.”
“What do we do?”
He started the engine. “Buckle up.” Just as they drove off, the sound of the helicopter drew closer.
“Now I hear it.”
He left the lights off and drove using his wolf night vision. Back on the road, he sped away. Not sure it would do them any good, but in the meantime, it bought them some time. “We were careless in Vegas.”
“You think it’s the werewolf special ops?”
“No. I recognize the helicopter that headed to Project Sabertooth.” If he were wrong, Gaby would be in a hell of a lot more trouble.
“I’m not too surprised. Assets don’t escape.”
“Don’t worry, sweets, we’ll set the record as the first to do so.”
Damn, the helicopter was getting closer.
The bright searchlight nearly blinded him. Shit. He veered and drove off the main road. Time to ditch the RV.
The helicopter drowned out her screams as it hovered feet above the RV’s roof. A male voice blasted. “Stop or we’ll fire. We only want Gaby.” The helicopter ascended as if waiting for their answer.
“If you let them have me, you can get away,” shouted Gaby.
“Not happening. Besides, the minute they take you, they’ll kill me.”
“So what do we do?”
He slowed the RV, made a U-turn, and floored it in the opposite direction. The helicopter followed. “Take your seatbelt off and sit on my lap.”
Immediately, she complied. “Okay, but if I get a scratch, it’s your ass.”
“Understood.” Suddenly, he swerved and headed down a wooded embankment. Not steep, just wooded. Halfway down, he flung the door open, and with Gaby in his arms, leapt out. He rolled, while covering her and making sure she’d didn’t feel the brunt of the impact.
The RV careened down the slope and landed upside down in a shallow river.
The helicopter hovered over the wrecked vehicle, then returned to the side of the road and landed. He sniffed. Six armed men. They didn’t bother hiding their human scent as they ran down the embankment. Laser sights lit up the forest.
He hid Gaby in the bramble and whispered, “Stay down.”
“Where are you going?”
“Going bad-ass werewolf on them.” Before, he shifted a high-pitch sound pierced him. He dropped to his knees in agony. Then blacked out.
Chapter 14
Gaby kneeled next to Kane and felt his pulse. Strong. “Kane.” Out cold. The assholes used high frequency sound. Voices came closer. She remembered the elk crossing road signs and closed her eyes. If a herd was close enough, they’d help cause a distraction.
A powerful searchlight blinded her.
One of the men radioed the pilot. “Both targets secured.”
“Leave him. I’m the one Avery wants.”
He took out his gun. “You’re right. After th
e mess you caused, the new boss only wants you.”
Avery? Project Sabertooth had to be cleaned up by now. They blew up the facility. “Didn’t he destroy the mess?”
The soldier chuckled. “The other mess.”
Gaby frowned. “Huh?”
“Director Tomlin wants you back in one piece.”
She wrongly assumed he’d been killed by the animals or died in the blast. Now he’s in charge. “The project still exists?”
“Re-located. Now move!”
Gaby threw her body over him. “No.”
The commander barked at his men. “Get her off him.”
“Tomlin mentioned studying him,” she lied.
Gaby clung onto Kane as two soldiers pulled her off and held her. Unable to move, she focused on her charm. A rustle in the brush confirmed her influence. The beasts responded.
The commander drew his gun and approached Kane’s prone body. “Bye-bye bad wolf.”
Before he pulled the trigger, a herd of elk stampeded through.
The commander twisted. “What the fuck!” He leapt out of the way.
Two soldiers screamed, impaled and thrown.
Her captors dropped her arms and pulled out their weapons. Shots fired randomly. Men gored.
Gaby crouched next to Kane, guiding her army of elk.
The commander, who almost executed Kane, fired several rounds at the herd. An elk crashed to the ground, while others dashed around the fallen beast.
Kane woke and went partial werewolf. He grunted, rolled behind the commander and bit his hamstring. The commander hollered and fell. Kane approached the fallen man and with powerful claws decapitated him. He turned to face more men.
The three remaining soldiers slowly backed away and fired a barrage of bullets at the sprinting werewolf.
Gaby asked the elk to leave and they bolted, no doubt spooked by the gunfire and the fierce monster in their territory.
A second helicopter appeared and lowered four men by rope.
The men looked up and took off. Gunfire ensued.
Now, who were they fighting?
Kane in bipedal Hollywood horror movie form edged out of the brush. He flared his nostrils and growled. He grimaced in what must be a werewolf grin and approached her.
Her heart hammered, but she didn’t run from him. He hoisted her, cradled her in his monstrous furred arms and dashed through the forest. He moved as fast as a horse. The soldiers would never catch them. A howl pierced the night. Then another. Werewolves had joined the fray.
Kane stopped, put her down and shifted to human form.
“Are those wolf howls?”
“Yes. Run! I’ll draw them away.”
“What?”
He roared at her. “Do it.”
Gaby flinched and did as bid.
He shifted and headed toward the forest.
She ran toward the road. The snarling pack chased after Kane. Her heart broke. I can’t just leave him to die. Never had she felt so helpless. If they caught her and found out about her charm, they’d kill her. In tears, she scrambled toward the road. If he had a mate, Gaby hoped she would protect Kane, Prince Steele.
Gaby twisted to look back then slammed into a woman. Relief on seeing a person soon turned into dread. A wolf aura hung about her. “You…you…are...”
“Shh. Time for you to take a nice nap.”
“What?” The petite woman stuck a needle in her neck. Gaby gasped and stumbled into her arms. Then blackness.
Kane twisted as he heard Gaby speak by the road. They got her. He ran with the pack of four wolves in hot pursuit. A big black wolf with glowing blue eyes leapt over him. They rolled and the black wolf quickly gripped Kane’s throat with dagger-like fangs. One squeeze would puncture his carotid. Kane growled and spoke in wolf. “What the fuck are you waiting for?”
The big black wolf with a Russian accent, commanded him, “Shift Commander Steele.”
Did he just call him commander? He shifted to human form. The Russian werewolf did as well. The big man stared down at him and grinned. “Don’t be ashamed, no other werewolf has ever bested me in wrestling.” He reached for Kane’s arm and lifted him.
Kane scowled. “Who or rather what the fuck are you?”
“I’m Lev Volkov.” He chuckled. “Chernobyl Werewolf.”
“Can’t say we’ve met.”
“We are comrades. Team Greywolf.”
He didn’t give a shit. “You have me so order your men to let the woman go.”
A petite brunette appeared. “Don’t worry, she’s not hurt.”
He glared at the woman. “Let her go.”
“It’s me, Cricket.”
He met her eyes to compel her.
She nodded. “Yes, sir.”
An alpha white wolf snarled at him. Blood lust in his eyes.
Lev gently shook her. “Snap out of it, Cricket.”
The white wolf shifted. If not for the big Russian werewolf, blocking him, he would have struck. “Compel my mate again, and I’ll kick your ass.”
Cricket shook her head as if dazed and turned to the alpha. “Slade, calm down.”
Lev, a giant of a man, smirked. “How could you have forgotten Cricket? I must also remind you of pack rules. No one is allowed to alpha mind control lower ranks with a few exceptions.”
She smelled familiar. He tapped his head. “My amnesia has robbed me of knowing the rules.” Are they responsible for my mind wipe? He locked eyes with the one called Slade.
Cricket smirked. “Let’s board and dress. I am overwhelmed by the sausage fest.”
“Take me to Gaby,” he demanded.
She nodded. “Come on. Oh, and by the way, Prince Steele, you can thank us later for saving your asses from the bad guys, sir.”
He straightened. “Thanks, I think.”
Lev shrugged. “Come, Commander.”
He favored the military title over the royal one. They boarded the helicopter and Lev handed him a black robe.
He donned it and dashed toward the back where his wife lay. He sniffed. Not harmed, only knocked out. For how long? He cradled her in his arms. “Gaby, wake up.”
Cricket sat next to Slade. How could they be mates? His wolf sensed a mating between an alpha and a low omega taboo. Maybe such rules no longer existed. Having a human mate may not be forbidden after all.
Cricket smiled. “She’ll wake up in a couple hours.”
He held Gaby tight. “You didn’t need to tranquilize her.”
“Best if she doesn’t know our location.”
Now wasn’t a good time to tell them, she was his mate. Eventually, she’d need to at least meet his immediate family. Interesting they had not mentioned his brother, the king. As the helicopter lifted, a second one landed. “More of your friends,” scoffed Kane.
“Cleanup crew,” said Lev.
Cricket turned. “Nice wedding bands by the way, Prince Steele.”
Lev, Slade and two other soldiers stiffened as if they just heard their best friend had died.
Shit. He’d forgotten about the wedding rings. He smiled at Cricket. “You can call my wife, Princess Gabriela.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Slade shook his head. “Of all the team members, you had the hardest time accepting my mating bond to Cricket.”
Cricket snarked. “In fact, you said our bond was no worse than if Slade had taken an inferior weak human.” She chuckled. “And here you are with a human wife.” She had found their wedding photograph and waved it at him. “Karma bites.”
He grabbed the picture from her and tucked it away. “Sounds like I was a real dick.”
Slade laughed. “Don’t worry, you finally accepted us.”
“Good. I expect you to treat us with the same due respect.” At least they couldn’t tell she was a wolf charmer. If they did, would they have killed her on the spot? He tightened his grip around her.
Cricket opened her mouth to say something, but Slade put his finger over her lips. “Let’s not sa
y anymore, darling.”
Lev snorted. “Don’t worry, comrade, I have skills in memory retrieval.”
Kane shrugged and looked out the window. As long as Gaby is by my side.
Gaby woke in what looked like a small hospital room. She threw the blanket off and sat. Who put me in a hospital gown? The room had a nice bed with a comforter and decorated pillows and if weren’t for the heart rate monitor and other medical equipment stashed against the wall, it appeared like an ordinary bedroom. She wasn’t hooked up to anything, but a bandage covered her left elbow. A surveillance camera faced her bed, flashing from green to red. Had Kane gotten away?
A woman wearing a white doctor’s coat entered. “Hi, Gaby. Did you sleep well?”
“Where am I?”
“My clinic at our headquarters. I’m Dr. Rachel Becker, but you can call me Rachel. Lycans prefer first names. They don’t use titles since our rank is determined by pack status.”
Gaby understood the game. She was back in some other secret base. She sensed the wolf aura in the blonde woman, but not as strong as the others. Best not to mention her charm. “You are not human.”
“Was human until…” She waved a dismissive hand. “It’s a long story. Let me check your vitals.”
Gaby didn’t like the “was human” part. Were humans turned into werewolves? Not that she was opposed to being married to a werewolf, but she had no desire to become one. She kept silent as Rachel took her blood pressure.
“You have a deep scrape on your elbow, probably from falling, but no stitches needed. I gave you a tetanus booster and an antibiotic.” She checked Gaby’s eyes. “Anyway, you are good to go.”
Gaby looked out the door with longing. “I’m free to leave?”
“I meant from under my care.”
“Where’s Kane?”
“Steele is resting.”
“Prince Steele, I know.” She sighed. “I want to see him.”
Rachel handed her a bag. “Here are your clothes. I’ll call Cricket and tell her you are ready.”
Why not my husband? Was he really resting or being tortured? She wanted answers, not to be toyed with. She remained calm. “Who?”
“Cricket was part of the team that rescued you and Steele.” She smiled. “Small for a she-wolf, but one of our best operatives.”
